Communications coalition aims to end data inequality

A coalition of advocacy groups has joined forces to focus on improving communications services for consumers and businesses in rural areas.

The coalition was created to due to concern about the lack of equitable access to reliable and quality telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.

It includes the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), the Country Women’s Association of NSW, the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association and AgForce Queensland.

“Without leadership and change, Australia risks growing and entrenching the digital divide between urban and rural telecommunications users,” said NFF CEO Tony Mahar.

“We risk undermining the opportunities presented by digital innovation to the farming community and rural Australia as a whole.”

The coalition has developed five fundamental outcomes as measures of equitable connectivity for regional and remote consumers. They are ambitious and achievable, and they reflect the pressing need for change.

The five outcomes are:

• A universal service obligation that is technology neutral and provides access to both voice and data.
• Customer service guarantees and reliability measures to underpin the provision of voice and data services and deliver more accountability from providers and nbn.
• Long-term public funding for open access mobile network expansion in rural and regional Australia.
• Fair and equitable access to Sky Muster satellite services for those with a genuine need for the service, and access which reflects the residential, educational and business needs of rural and regional Australia.
• Fully resourced capacity building programs that build digital ability and provide learning and effective problem-solving support for regional, rural and remote businesses and consumers.

“Beyond growing productivity, ending the data drought is also immensely valuable for rural, regional and remote communities,” Country Women’s Association of NSW President Annette Turner said.

“Getting better digital connectivity in the bush can have such a positive impact on people’s lives and also assist in overcoming the tyrannies of distance. With good connectivity, educational outcomes are improved, health services can be streamlined and business can flourish.”

AgForce Queensland Vice-President Georgie Somerset said putting an end to the data drought was one of the highest priorities for regional, rural and remote Australians.

“Effective and affordable mobile phone and internet services provide an economic and social lifeline for people in the bush. It’s an essential part of everyday life and is vitally important for community safety, to support business development, enhance children’s education and maintain social connections,” said Somerset.

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